What is Infertility?

What is Infertility?

Understanding Infertility

Infertility is a condition that affects a couple's ability to conceive naturally after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, this timeframe is reduced to six months due to the natural decline in fertility with age. Infertility is not just a women’s issue; it affects both men and women almost equally. About one-third of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, one-third to female factors, and the remaining cases are often due to a combination of issues in both partners or are unexplained.

Types of Infertility

  • Primary Infertility: This occurs when a couple has never achieved a pregnancy despite having regular unprotected intercourse.
  • Secondary Infertility: This is when a couple has difficulty conceiving after previously having one or more successful pregnancies.
Crisis in marriage, divorce, breakup
Primary Infertility

 This occurs when a couple has never achieved a pregnancy despite having regular unprotected intercourse.

Gynecology
Secondary Infertility

 This is when a couple has difficulty conceiving after previously having one or more successful pregnancies.

  • Annual Exams
Annual exams, also known as well-woman exams or annual check-ups, are a fundamental component of women’s healthcare. These routine appointments, typically conducted by a General Practitioner (GP) or gynecologist, are essential for maintaining and monitoring women’s health throughout their lives.

During these exams, healthcare providers can assess various aspects of a woman’s well-being, including reproductive health, cardiovascular health, and overall physical and emotional well-being. They often include a pelvic exam, breast examination, blood pressure measurement, and discussions about contraception, family planning, and any concerns or questions the patient may have.

Annual exams serve not only as a preventative measure but also as an opportunity for education, early detection of health issues, and establishing a strong patient-provider relationship. Regularly scheduling and attending these exams can contribute significantly to women’s overall health and quality of life.
Here are some of the check up and health screenings that you should get done:
  • Pelvic Exam
  • Pap Smear (Cervical Cancer Screening)
  • Breast Exam
  • Blood Pressure Measurement
  • Cholesterol Screening
  • Bone Density Scan (DXA)
  • Blood Sugar Test (Glucose Screening)
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Blood Count (Complete Blood Count, CBC)

* The specific exams and screenings recommended can vary based on a woman’s age, family history, personal health history, and risk factors. It’s essential to discuss your individual healthcare needs and screening schedule with your healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Infertility​

Infertility can result from a wide variety of factors that affect both men and women:

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play crucial roles in the reproductive process. Imbalances can disrupt ovulation in women or sperm production in men.
  • Age-Related Factors: Age is a significant factor in infertility. As women age, their egg quality and quantity diminish, making conception more difficult. Men may also experience reduced sperm quality with age.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications can all negatively impact fertility.
  • Medical Conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can contribute to infertility in both men and women.

Infertility can result from a wide variety of factors that affect both men and women:

  • Hormonal Imbalances

    Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play crucial roles in the reproductive process. Imbalances can disrupt ovulation in women or sperm production in men.

  • Age-Related Factors

    Age is a significant factor in infertility. As women age, their egg quality and quantity diminish, making conception more difficult. Men may also experience reduced sperm quality with age.

  • Age-Related Factors:

    Age is a significant factor in infertility. As women age, their egg quality and quantity diminish, making conception more difficult. Men may also experience reduced sperm quality with age.

  • Medical Conditions

    Chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can contribute to infertility in both men and women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gynecologists are medical specialists who focus on women’s reproductive health, and they can provide care and treatment for a wide range of issues, including Routine Gynecological Exams, Menstrual Disorders, Contraception, Menopause Management, Gynecological Infections, Pelvic Pain and Disorders, Gynecological Cancers, Surgical Procedures, Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health and more.

The pricing of women’s health treatments should prioritize accessibility and affordability, ensuring that essential healthcare services, such as gynecological exams, prenatal care, contraception, and screenings for conditions like breast cancer and STDs, are within reach for all women. Our aim is to provide fair and transparent pricing, along with options for financial assistance, should be made available to promote women’s overall well-being and equality in healthcare.

Gynecological treatments can involve various procedures, medications, and interventions, each with its own set of risks and potential side effects. The specific risks and side effects can vary depending on the type of treatment, individual patient factors, and the underlying condition being addressed. It’s essential to discuss these risks and potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any gynecological treatment.

The recovery time for gynecological treatments varies widely, depending on the specific treatment or procedure and individual factors. For medication-based treatments like hormonal contraception, recovery is typically immediate, with no need for downtime. In contrast, procedures such as intrauterine device (IUD) insertion often require no more than a brief recovery period, with women resuming their regular activities soon afterward. Minimally invasive procedures, such as endometrial ablation or hysteroscopy, usually entail several days to a few weeks of recovery, marked by mild discomfort, spotting, and cramping. Surgical interventions like a hysterectomy might necessitate a more extended recovery period, ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing. It’s essential to follow post-treatment instructions and consult with healthcare providers for personalized guidance during the recovery process, ensuring a smooth return to daily life and activities.

How an individual feels after a gynecological treatment can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of treatment or procedure, their overall health, and individual sensitivity to medical interventions. In some cases, such as medication-based treatments or the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD), many women may feel little to no discomfort and can often resume their usual activities immediately. For minimally invasive procedures like hysteroscopy or endometrial ablation, mild discomfort, spotting, and mild cramping may be experienced for a few days to a few weeks post-treatment. Surgical interventions, such as a hysterectomy, generally entail a more extended recovery period marked by varying levels of pain or discomfort, potentially necessitating several weeks or months for a full return to regular activities.
Disclaimer: Results and patient experiences may vary. These are dependent on a number of factors including age, medical history, lifestyle and more.

Symptoms of Infertility

Infertility is often symptomless until attempts to conceive fail. However, some signs may indicate underlying issues:

  • Women: Irregular or absent menstrual cycles, painful periods, or conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Men: Problems with ejaculation, reduced libido, or a history of testicular injuries or surgeries.
When to Seek Medical Help

Couples under the age of 35 should consider consulting a fertility specialist after a year of trying to conceive without success. Women over 35 should seek help after six months. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Treatment Options for Infertility

The treatment plan for infertility varies depending on the underlying cause. Options may include:

  • Medications: To stimulate ovulation in women or improve sperm production in men.
  • Surgical Interventions: To correct structural abnormalities in the reproductive system.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

When to Seek Medical Help​

If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year, or over 35 and trying for six months, consider consulting a fertility specialist. Early care can make all the difference—take the first step today!

Schedule a Consultation
Medications

To stimulate ovulation in women or improve sperm production in men.

Surgical Interventions

 To correct structural abnormalities in the reproductive system.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

 Including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Treatment Options for Infertility

The treatment plan for infertility varies depending on the underlying cause. Options may include:

Medications

To stimulate ovulation in women or improve sperm production in men.

Surgical Interventions

To correct structural abnormalities in the reproductive system.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

 Including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

When to Seek Medical Help​

If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year, or over 35 and trying for six months, consider consulting a fertility specialist. Early care can make all the difference—take the first step today!

Schedule a Consultation